Behavior Therapist, Pediatric ABA - Clinic-Based

North Shore Pediatric Therapy; Lake Bluff (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Training & Certification

Health, dental, vision insurance

Saturday availability

Growth opportunities

Job summary

North Shore Pediatric Therapy is seeking a Behavior Therapist for our clinic in Illinois. You will work 1:1 with children ages 2–12, helping them build communication, independence, and confidence under a supportive BCBA-led team.

Starting at $19/hour with raises to $22.50 after RBT certification, includes paid training and ongoing coaching. Flexible daytime slots and Saturday availability are required.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in settings such as babysitting, coaching, camps, or classrooms.
• Ability to stay calm and flexible in challenging moments while supporting children.
• Strong communication and teamwork to collaborate with BCBA and other staff.

Responsibilities

• Work 1:1 with children ages 2–12 to build language, social and life skills.
• Track progress and take session notes to inform therapy plans.
• Communicate with teammates to problem-solve and adjust support.
• Manage challenging moments with patience and a calm presence.
• Help families apply learned skills at home and school.

Skills

Experience with children

Calm and flexible

Empathy and respect

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Behavior Therapist, Pediatric ABA - Clinic-Based

Starting at $19/hour ($22.50 once RBT certified - all training paid)

Paid Training & Certification

Daytime shifts (starting at 8am, 9am, 1pm, or 3pm) & Saturday availability needed

At North Shore Pediatric Therapy (NSPT), we do more than provide therapy—we create spaces where autistic children are respected, supported, and empowered. We don’t believe in one‑size‑fits‑all care or outdated models. Our approach is assent‑based, neuroaffirming, and team‑driven, with deep respect for each child’s individuality, autonomy, and potential.

As a Behavior Technician, you’ll be part of that mission. You’ll help kids build communication, independence, and confidence—and you’ll be supported every step of the way by a team that values your growth just as much as theirs.

What a Day Looks Like:

Being a Behavior Technician is active, hands‑on, and deeply meaningful. You’ll spend most of your day working 1:1 with kids (ages 2–12), helping them build skills that support their growth at home, school, and in everyday life.

Here’s what that actually looks like:

• Playing games on the floor to work on language or social skills
• Helping a child learn how to ask for help, tie their shoes, or transition between tasks
• Managing tough moments like meltdowns or elopement with patience and a calm presence
• Tracking progress and taking session notes so your BCBA can update therapy plans
• Communicating with your team throughout the day to problem‑solve, celebrate wins, and adjust support as needed
• Staying flexible—every child is different, and every day brings something new

It’s not a desk job—it’s a roll‑up‑your‑sleeves, be‑there‑in‑the‑moment kind of role. But if you love working with kids, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to spend your day.

Why North Shore Pediatric Therapy:

• Assent‑based care that honors boundaries and centers the child’s voice.
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary teamwork—you’ll work alongside OTs, SLPs, and mental health professionals.
• Supportive leadership and mentorship, with real‑time coaching and thoughtful feedback.
• A people‑first culture where growth is structured, wins are celebrated, and you’re never alone.

How You’ll Grow With Us:

Whether you’re here to learn or build a full career, we make sure your development is intentional and supported. You’ll start with paid RBT training and certification in your first month (plus a raise once you pass) and receive performance reviews and raises every 6 months. From there, your path can look like:

• Behavior Therapist (BT) → Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) – Certified with hands‑on experience and real mentorship
• RBT → Clinical Fellowship Student (ACC) → Lead ACC → Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) – For BCBA students, we help with restricted and unrestricted hours, test prep, and becoming a strong, compassionate clinician.
• RBT → Lead RBT – For those who want to grow as leaders without pursuing credentialing as a BCBA, SLP, or OT.

No matter where you’re headed, we’ll help you get there.

• Real‑time support and mentorship from experienced clinicians
• Flexible schedules (start times at 8am, 9am, 1pm, or 3pm) that fit your life
• Monthly team events, shoutouts, and a clinic culture that genuinely cares
• A career that makes a tangible impact on the lives of kids and families
• Health, dental, and vision insurance for full‑time team members

You're a Great Fit If You:

• Have experience working with children (babysitting, coaching, camps, classrooms, etc.)
• Are calm, flexible, and eager to learn—even in tough moments.
• Believe in supporting kids through respect and empathy, not compliance.
• Want to work somewhere that feels good and does good.
• Are curious about long‑term careers in ABA, education, child psychology, OT, SLP, or mental health.

Requirements:

• Starting at $19/billable hour, with increases for experience, education, and certification. You'll increase to $22.50 once you receive your RBT certification.
• Must have the physical stamina and mobility to actively engage with children, including sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 45 pounds, and effective visual and auditory communication.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Afternoon/evening (starting at 3pm) and Saturday availability required.

At NSPT, we know this work is challenging—even it’s also joyful, meaningful, and deeply rewarding. You’ll be surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do, and who care deeply about the children and team members they work with.

If you’re ready to make a difference, grow a career, and be part of a team that’s changing what care can look like—we’d love to meet you.